Nevada: From Neon to Nature
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.
Heading to Nevada felt exciting from the very start. From the moment we arrived at the airport, there was a real sense of anticipation. We knew we were about to embark on an adventure, but little did we know just how much diversity the Silver State had in store. I swapped my desk job at AAYLI for a week on the road in Nevada. From dazzling neon lights to vast open landscapes, I discovered that the state has far more to offer than just Las Vegas.
Stepping out into Las Vegas, the energy is impossible to ignore. Neon lights flash in every direction, music fills the air, and the excitement is contagious. Walking along the famous Strip, with the Bellagio fountains dancing nearby and world-famous entertainment all around, it is easy to understand why millions flock here every year. Whether it is a Cirque du Soleil performance, a concert at the incredible Sphere or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Las Vegas knows how to put on a show.
One of our biggest highlights was Fremont Street. Flying across the street on the SlotZilla zipline, we felt like superheroes soaring above the crowds below. Looking down at the neon signs and iconic hotels was a moment we will never forget. Afterwards, we slowed the pace at Stadium Swim at Circa, where we discovered that watching live sports while relaxing in the sunshine might just be one of Las Vegas' best kept secrets.
Leaving the bright lights behind, we headed to Mesquite and discovered a completely different side of Nevada. Our day trip to Valley of Fire State Park felt like stepping onto another planet. Endless waves of fiery red rock stretched towards the horizon, formed from 150-million-year-old Aztec sandstone. Standing amongst these incredible formations, with nothing but silence and blue skies around us, everyday worries seemed to melt away.
Just beyond the visitor centre, we made our way to Elephant Rock. It's easy to understand why this natural formation has become such a favourite with photographers. Looking around, it was no surprise to learn that scenes from Star Trek, Total Recall and Transformers had all been filmed here. The landscape feels almost too extraordinary to be real.
Continuing north, we stopped at Kershaw-Ryan State Park near Caliente. The short walk through colourful canyons was the perfect chance to stretch our legs before reaching one of Nevada's hidden state parks, Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Nothing quite prepares you for Cathedral Gorge. Walking between the towering slot canyons, with sunlight streaming through the narrow walls, felt like exploring a secret world carved by nature over millions of years. Around every corner there was another incredible photograph waiting to be taken. Nearby, Miller Point offered breathtaking views across the deep gorge and reminded us once again just how beautiful rural Nevada really is.
Our journey then brought us to Pioche, one of Nevada's most fascinating old mining towns. Here, tales of the Wild West come alive. Visiting the Boot Hill Cemetery and the infamous Murderer's Row provided a glimpse into a lawless past where life was often harsh and fortunes could change overnight.
By the time we reached Ely, we had fallen into the rhythm of the open road. Exploring the town's murals brought its rich mining heritage to life, while a visit to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum transported us back to a bygone era. Alongside the fascinating history, we were introduced to one of the museum's most famous residents, Dirt, the engine room cat, whose story charmed visitors just as much as the locomotives themselves.
From Ely, we set out to explore even more of Nevada's treasures. At Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, six remarkable beehive shaped ovens stand as reminders of the state's silver mining boom. Once used to process ore, they later sheltered travellers and reportedly even provided refuge for stagecoach bandits.
But perhaps the greatest surprise of all was Great Basin National Park.
This remarkable park often flies under the radar, but it quickly became one of our favourite places in Nevada. Descending into Lehman Caves, we discovered a hidden underground world filled with extraordinary formations and fascinating stories. Learning about the cave's geology and the protected bats that call it home only added to the experience. Above ground, the landscapes seemed to stretch forever, offering a peaceful contrast to the bright lights we had left behind days earlier.
As we travelled towards Tonopah, the scenery changed once again. Vast open spaces gave way to old Western towns that seemed frozen in time.
Rhyolite offered the chance to step into a genuine ghost town. Standing amongst the ruins of the Cook Bank Building and visiting the famous bottle house, it was easy to imagine the hopes and dreams of those who once sought their fortunes here. Nearby, the Goldfield Open Air Museum showcased an eclectic collection of artwork that perfectly captures Nevada's quirky spirit.
For horror fans, the legendary Clown Motel certainly lives up to its reputation. Rooms are themed around famous horror characters, including Pennywise from IT, making it one of the most unusual places to stay in America.
At the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, we explored the machinery that once powered the town and learnt about the men whose lives revolved around the mines. It offered another reminder that Nevada's story has always been one of resilience, ambition and reinvention.
As darkness fell, we experienced something truly unforgettable.
Away from the city lights, the skies above Tonopah revealed one of nature's greatest spectacles. Looking up at the Milky Way stretching across the sky during the Stargazing Park Experience, we found ourselves lost in the moment, wondering what mysteries lay beyond our own world. It was one of those rare experiences that stayed with us long after the journey ended.
Before heading back to Las Vegas, we made one final stop at the International Car Forest near Goldfield. Rows of brightly painted cars and vans rise from the desert floor like a surreal outdoor gallery, proving once again that Nevada always has one more surprise waiting around the corner.
As we drove back towards the bright lights of Las Vegas, we reflected on everything we had experienced. What began amongst the neon signs had led us through red rock landscapes, ghost towns, underground caves, historic railways and some of the darkest skies in America.
Nevada had shown us two sides of its personality. One filled with energy, entertainment and excitement. The other offering peace, history and endless opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Together, they create something truly special.
From neon to nature, Nevada is a place that invites you to explore, to dream and, above all, to embrace the adventure.
